BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media in Mumbai on Saturday to unveil India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. One of the major talking points was the omission of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, which has drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.
Samson last represented India in the T20I series against South Africa in November, where he impressed with two spectacular centuries. His strong form had led to calls for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad, with many suggesting him as a potential backup wicketkeeper alongside KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. However, his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament, may have played a role in his exclusion from the Champions Trophy team.
Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George criticized Samson for his unprofessional approach, revealing that Samson had informed the association of his unavailability via a brief “one-line text.” George stated, “We were under the impression he would be leading the team, but after announcing the squad, Samson messaged us saying he was available for selection.” He emphasized that KCA has policies in place that all players must respect and criticized Samson for showing up only when it suited him.
Despite the setback, Samson has been included in the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, set to begin on February 22. He will be one of two wicketkeepers in the squad, alongside Dhruv Jurel.
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